Abstract
Self-sufficiency is central to child and family well-being. This report focuses on predictors of adaptive daily living skills
(DLS) development in young children with ASD and whether DLS gains predict decreases in parenting stress. Participants were
162 toddlers with ASD and their parents, assessed at 3 annual timepoints. Hierarchical Linear Models showed that age, DQ,
and autism symptom severity uniquely predicted initial DLS and DLS growth. Child problem behaviors predicted initial DLS only.
DLS was associated with change in parenting stress above and beyond DQ, autism symptom severity, and problem behaviors. Children
with lower IQ and more severe symptoms showed slower DLS gains. Given its relation to parenting stress, DLS are an important
intervention target in young children with ASD.
(DLS) development in young children with ASD and whether DLS gains predict decreases in parenting stress. Participants were
162 toddlers with ASD and their parents, assessed at 3 annual timepoints. Hierarchical Linear Models showed that age, DQ,
and autism symptom severity uniquely predicted initial DLS and DLS growth. Child problem behaviors predicted initial DLS only.
DLS was associated with change in parenting stress above and beyond DQ, autism symptom severity, and problem behaviors. Children
with lower IQ and more severe symptoms showed slower DLS gains. Given its relation to parenting stress, DLS are an important
intervention target in young children with ASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1275-0
- Authors
- Shulamite A. Green, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Alice S. Carter, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257